February 03, 2008

INJURIES HURT: ARE YOU TALKING TOO MUCH ABOUT SAFETY?

By Carl and Deb Potter

Many company leaders and managers wonder, “Are we talking about safety too much?” The answer: “No one but you knows.” Realize that everyone may be a little overwhelmed with all kinds of communications and distractions. That’s why talking about safety effectively is more important than ever.

TALKING SAFETY
The fact is that it’s important to talk about safety. Injuries are a concern for everyone: They are emotional triggers, and they hurt everyone in the organization and at home. Nobody wants to see another person hurt, and nobody wants to get hurt.

Consider this question: How can you talk about safety in such a way that your employees don’t get sick of hearing about it and therefore stop listening?

THE EMOTIONS OF SAFETY
Too often people view and deal with safety in an emotional way. Management gets frustrated when injuries occur and eventually they come out swinging “the safety hammer.” Pressure mounts and the managers step-up their discipline (or corrective action).

Recently, a safety director for a large company described a situation where an employee was fatally injured and two others experienced serious injuries. For years the safety director had tried to get management’s attention about needed improvements, but without success. Now everyone in the company seems to be a safety expert; every executive has the answer—and everyone has a different solution.

When this kind of situation emerges, everything becomes a mess. Finger pointing abounds, and the employees choose sides: Either the problem is technical or it’s the people. Employees often begin to be fearful of retribution and decide not to report incidents or injuries. Should this scenario ever occur in your company, you need to diffuse the situation by focusing on the safety process.

THE SAFETY PROCESS
In order to maintain safety at a level that prevents injuries, you first have to work on dealing with the emotional issues so the focus is on good decision-making. Realize that safety is both art and science and needs to be treated as such. The “art” is about dealing with people—establishing accountabilities, holding people responsible, and building trust. The “science” of safety is about dealing with behavioral and technical processes. Hazard control is an example of a process that includes both behavioral and technical aspects.

The technical process of safety involves identifying the hazard, abating or controlling it, engineering so it no longer exists, or changing work processes to include the use of protective or personal protective equipment.

When a hazard control has been established, practiced, and proven over time, workers and leaders accept it as normal, and it becomes “common sense” safety. Sometimes acceptance of a new rule or work practice seems to take a while. And often, people don’t even understand their own resistance to the process.

THE MILLION DOLLAR QUESTION
Bob, a safety committee chairperson, works in an industry where workers are required to wear protective personal equipment (PPE). When people don’t wear the appropriate PPE, the results can be devastating because workers are exposed to the hazards of high voltage electricity. As Bob explains: “We had someone get hurt last month because he wasn’t wearing sleeves with his high voltage rubber gloves. We all know that it’s a good work practice to wear the sleeves, so why doesn’t everyone just do it? Why don’t they get it?”

“Why don’t workers get it?” That’s the $1,000,000 question. Experience shows that acceptance of new rules, regulations, and work practices happens faster when workers are engaged in the process of determining the appropriate PPE for the hazards of their job.

In your next safety meeting, take time to engage workers in a discussion about what the hazards are in their workplace. Get them to think both deep and broad about dangers they can encounter. Make a list of these on a flip chart so everyone can see. Then ask what can be done to control each hazard. Be sure to use your safety rule book and documented safe work practices during this discussion. Finally, ask the group “Which of these controls will we always do?” Most of the time, the answer will be “All of them!” When workers get involved in this kind of discussion, it can have a big influence on how your organization talks about safety.

TAKE ACTION FOR A SAFE WORKPLACE
Sure, some people may think your company talks about safety too much, and maybe they’re right. Yet safety is an important topic that needs to be discussed. Consider how you can get everyone involved in the discussion and how you can encourage them to take action to ensure that nobody gets hurt. When you do, you’re likely to find the answer to that $1,000,000 question.

Carl Potter, CSP, CMC and Deb Potter, PhD, CMC work with organizations that want to create an environment where nobody gets hurt. As advocates of a zero-injury workplace, they are safety speakers, authors, and consultants to industry. For information about their programs and products, see www.potterandassociates.com or contact them at Potter and Associates International, Inc. 800-259-6209 or carl@potterandassociates.com

Posted by Industrial at 01:18 AM | Comments (0)

April 21, 2007

The Truth about Safety Incentives:
What does it take to motivate employees to work safe?

By Carl and Deb Potter

Two Philosophies About Incentives

One of the great debates in workplace safety today is the role of incentives. Two philosophies seem to exist. One says that workers will not work safe unless we give them incentives to do so. The other says that incentives should not be required for workers to do their jobs without injury. Interestingly, safety and operational supervisors, managers, and directors who are working hard to find a way to focus employees on reducing injuries fuel the debate.


The Problem with Most Incentive Programs

The biggest problem with safety incentive programs is that they do not work the way people expect them to. Programs that reward employees with monetary or tangible rewards for an expected level of performance are dangerous when it comes to safety. The reason is this: they tend to cause under-reporting – particularly when the performance is related to lagging indicators like reduced incidents or severity rates. Managers and employees alike confirm this, no matter the industry. People tend to focus on the reward rather than the outcome of going home every day without an injury. Under-reporting causes information to be buried, which can lead to dangerous behaviors or hazardous situations not being properly addressed.

Sure, there are examples of how incentive programs have helped organizations turn their safety performance from negative to positive. This may be the case for the short term, but over a period of time, safety incentive programs become:

  • Ineffective – they lose their appeal to employees and it becomes too much work to keep up with the required paperwork.
  • Entitlements – employees come to expect the incentive no matter what the outcomes are, particularly when monetary rewards are involved.
  • Routine – when the program remains the same year after year, people don’t really pay attention to the expectations and the rewards.
  • Punitive – when group rewards are part of the program, employees can be very punitive to one another when an incident occurs that “messes up” the reward.
  • Irrelevant – often employees do not see why their company leaders think they have to pay them to work safe; after all, isn’t safe work behavior part of the job?

    Think about other problems you’ve seen in your own company. What’s going on with your incentive program – if you have one? It may be time to consider a different approach.

    Recognition over Rewards

    Because safety incentive programs can become routine, ineffective, and irrelevant with the passing of time, consider that there has to be a better way.

    Companies that train and encourage leaders to recognize safe behavior and positive outcomes have excellent safety cultures. Rather than the prescriptive, one-size-fits-all approach in most safety incentive programs, recognition is much more personal. Leaders who are deeply involved in the safety management process can have the most positive influence above and beyond any other factor. Recognition goes a long way to motivate workers.


    Five Great Alternatives to Safety Incentive Programs

    Rather than try to “buy” your employees’ commitment to safety with a safety incentive program, consider these techniques to engage everyone to take personal responsibility for safety:


    1. Make safety a core value. Safety needs to be as important to your organization as production and profits are. Let employees know that no job is so important that it should be done at personal risk. Start every meeting with an update from a safety contact.


    2. Commit management to worker safety. When executives, managers, and supervisors are actively engaged in the organization’s safety efforts, employees will notice. Leaders can demonstrate their commitment to safety by following the company’s safe work procedures, listening to and acting upon employees’ concerns, and actively participating in safety meetings.


    3. Involve employees in the safety process. Encourage employees to take part in making your workplace safe by including them in safety committees, inspections, accident investigations, and safety suggestion programs. Give them time to participate during their regular work hours and recognize their efforts. And find out what motivates them to work safe.


    4. Set high expectations for safe behavior. Research shows that employees will usually work hard to meet their managers’ and supervisors’ expectations. Clearly state expectations that everyone will follow safety procedures and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). Managers and supervisors should also expect employees to identify, control, and report all hazards found in the workplace.


    5. Allow employees to set their own goals. Most incentive programs develop around corporate safety objectives, but employees may resist the proclamations of executives or managers, especially if the workers consider management to be out of touch with their day-to-day experiences. However, employees will respond more positively to setting their own goals. Give them the autonomy to do this and encourage them to make it a personal aim to go home each day without injury.


    Invest in Motivation, not Incentives

    Even the most creative incentive program won’t get you the result you want: a workplace where nobody gets hurt. Safety incentive programs take money out of your company’s bottom-line without a significant or sustainable return on your investment. So instead, make motivation a priority for executives, managers, and supervisors. Get them to commit to investing their time and effort to improving their safety and encourage workers to do the same. That way, each individual becomes responsible, not only for his or her own safety, but also for that of everyone in the organization. That way, more people will go home every day without injury.

    Carl Potter, CSP, CMC and Deb Potter, PhD, CMC work with organizations that want to create an environment where nobody gets hurt. As advocates of a zero-injury workplace, they are speakers, authors, and consultants to industry. For information about bringing Carl and Deb to your company or your next conference, contact them at Potter and Associates International, Inc.

    800-259-6209
    www.SimplySeamlessSafety.com

    Posted by Industrial at 08:44 PM | Comments (0)

    August 23, 2005

    Easy Sourcing of Packaging Supplies and Services

    A new format of an industrial directory is published by Manufacturers Directory with keyword direct navigation.

    Some of these directories include quite a few directories for the packaging industry such as crating, and export packing   Other packaging products directories are for foam packaging at die cut foam, foam fabricators, and laminated foam

    Other packaging items are ziplock bags and several directories related to protective packaging products such as
    tube end caps and pipe caps

    These packaging product directories are part of the large number of other keyword industrial product directories. These directories are all designed for easy navigation and particulary to serve the "natural type in" Keyword traffic of highly targeted industrial buyers searching for products including packaging materials. This helps industrial manufacturers and suppliers receive leads of Targeted Buyers who are seriously searching for their products. And it makes it much easier for serious buyers to find a selection of manufacturers and suppliers on a single webpage who offer the product or service that is specific to what the Buyer needs.

    Posted by Industrial at 03:05 AM | Comments (0)

    June 29, 2005

    Jason Premo Appointed Examiner For Prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award

    Jason P. Premo, VP of Sales and Marketing for real-time production management software provider nMetric® LLC., will serve on 2005 Board of Examiners. The board reviews and evaluates applications for the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive.

    Costa Mesa, Calif. (PRWEB) June 29, 2005 -- Jason. P. Premo of nMetric® LLC, a manufacturing software company located in Costa Mesa, Calif., has been appointed by Hratch G. Semerjian, Acting Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), to the 2005 Board of Examiners for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA). The award, created by public law in 1987, is the highest level of national recognition for performance excellence that a U.S. organization can receive.

    As an examiner, Premo is responsible for reviewing and evaluating applications submitted for the award, which is often presented to recipients each year directly by the President of the United States. The board is composed of leading experts selected from industry, professional and trade organizations, education and health care organizations, and government. Those selected meet the highest standards of qualification and peer recognition, in addition to completing a rigorous preparation course based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and the scoring and evaluation process for the Baldrige Award.

    “I am honored to be a part of such a prestigious award and am excited about working with the Board of Examiners for the upcoming year,” states Premo, the nMetric® LLC VP of Sales and Marketing. “As a previous manufacturing engineer, manager and executive over the past 10 years, I can attest to the bottom line benefits achieved at my own factories, having leveraged many areas of the Baldrige Criteria to define systems, processes and measures to achieve my Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma goals.”

    “Companies that are looking to develop their own roadmap for world class performance should seriously consider learning and incorporating the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria,” Premo adds.

    Awards may be given annually in each of five categories: Manufacturing, Service, Small Business, Education and Health Care. Awards have been presented to 60 organizations, including 2004 recipients, The Bama Corporation, Texas Nameplate Company, Inc., Kenneth W. Monfort College of Business, and Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton.

    Information about the Baldrige National Quality Program and the application process is available from the Baldrige National Quality Program, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Administration Bldg., Room A600, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 1020, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-1020. Telephone: 301-975-2036.

    For further information about the Baldrige Award, contact Jan Kosko, NIST Public and Business Affairs. Information can also be found on the Baldrige National Quality Program’s Web site at http://www.baldrige.nist.gov.

    About nMetric®:
    nMetric® provides manufacturers with Lean Production Management Software that picks up where traditional ERP business systems end…to address the challenges of today’s demand-driven manufacturing environment. Our patented solution is a collaborative, scalable and completely integrated platform that provides Lean Manufacturers with the tools needed to balance, schedule, visualize, execute, track, analyze and improve the real-time activities of the factory floor, while building a better link to the enterprise and supply chain. The solution is Web-engineered from the ground up using the latest Java 2 Enterprise Edition architecture. It is 100 percent thin client and is completely platform independent to work with virtually any operation system, database, commercial or legacy ERP, and factory floor application. Company headquarters is located at 3070 South Bristol Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA. 92626. Telephone: 714-424-4400. Toll Free: 888-561-9700. Website: http://www.nmetric.com.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:18 AM | Comments (0)

    Empresa Solutions Transforms Engineering Change Management for PDMWorks Users with Release of New Product

    Kinnosa® Workflow for PDMWorks® Dramatically Increases Efficiency in Managing SolidWorks® Product Design Changes

    Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) June 29, 2005 -- Empresa Solutions, Inc., a global provider and industry leader in collaborative data and process management solutions, today unveiled Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks Release 1.0, the industry’s only workflow and process management solution for SolidWorks’ PDMWorks. Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks adds complete engineering change management to PDMWorks, the de facto standard for SolidWorks design data management.

    This release of Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks offers significant functionality to support improved efficiency in engineering and change processes including:
    • mweb-based user interface for zero-cost deployment;
    • an easy-to-use graphical workflow process designer to create change processes;
    • efficient process execution using automated task notifications sent directly to participants email inbox;
    • enhanced design change productivity through eDrawings™ integration;
    • seamless integration with the PDMWorks product; and
    • compliance to quality standards through complete change history capture and reporting.

    Kinnosa Workflow offers automated engineering change management to PDMWorks users – capabilities that were previously only accessible through custom programs or migration to larger, more expensive systems. As a result, PDMWorks users can leverage Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks to realize drastic improvements in overall design change visibility, efficiency, and accuracy.

    “Empresa Solutions’ new workflow solution is significant because it expands the scope and broadens access to valuable design data stored in PDMWorks,” said Joy Garon, SolidWorks Corporation’s product manager for PDMWorks. “With Empresa’s Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks product, companies can gain the same competitive advantages of shorter design cycles and lower costs that are enjoyed by larger, more expensive systems. In addition, the integration of our products enables new levels of collaboration and change management across the enterprise.”

    Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks is designed to be an easy-to-deploy and easy-to-use workflow add-on for PDMWorks users. The seamless integration into PDMWorks enables powerful process management capabilities without imposing users with extensive product learning curves. Recognized process improvements will be instantly realized in every organization that adopts the Kinnosa Workflow solution.
    “By leveraging Kinnosa technology and competencies in engineering processes, we enable our customers to capitalize on their existing investments in SolidWorks and PDMWorks to bring new products to market quickly and easily, at a lower cost,” said Terry Simpson, president of Empresa Solutions. “Together with SolidWorks, we help ensure that customers deploying engineering workflow solutions using Kinnosa Workflow for PDMWorks have the best tools for introducing production-ready applications.”

    Kinnosa Workflow is available now for purchase through authorized resellers.

    About Empresa Solutions, Inc.
    Empresa Solutions is the leading developer of enterprise software solutions that improve efficiency and workflow processes worldwide. Lockheed Martin, Hewlett Packard, Ford Motor Company, and Procter & Gamble are among the many customers gaining significant value from Empresa’s software solutions.

    For the latest news and information or to see a demonstration of the product, visit the Empresa Solutions web site at www.empresasolutions.com or call 1-480-785-8334.

    About SolidWorks Corporation
    SolidWorks Corporation, a Dassault Systèmes S.A. (Nasdaq: DASTY, Euronext Paris: #13065, DSY.PA) company, develops and markets software for mechanical design, analysis, and product data management. It is the #1 supplier of 3D mechanical design software for the mainstream market. SolidWorks leads the market in number of users in production, customer satisfaction, and revenue. For the latest news, information, or a live online demonstration, visit the company’s Web site (www.solidworks.com) or call 1-800-693-9000 (outside of North America, call +1-978-371-5000).

    Kinnosa is a registered trademark of Empresa Solutions, Inc. SolidWorks and PDMWorks are registered trademarks and eDrawings is a trademark of SolidWorks Corporation.

    Media Contact:
    Empresa Solutions, Inc.
    Media Relations
    480.785.8334
    e-mail protected from spam bots

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 01:17 AM | Comments (0)

    June 28, 2005

    MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago Announces New Chairman for Burgeoning Chapter of Prominent Innovation and Entrepreneurship Organization

    Peter Balbus, CEO of integrated business & IT strategy consultancy Pragmaxis LLP, takes reigns as chairman of MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago

    Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 28, 2005 -- The MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago today announced the appointment of Peter Balbus as its new chapter chairman.

    Balbus is founder and CEO of integrated business & IT strategy consultancy Pragmaxis. He was previously vice president and GM of Booz Allen & Hamilton's Chicago regional e-business strategy and implementation group. He was also formerly a vice president at eXperience, the “brick and mortar” strategy consulting group at divine interVentures, a principal at CSC Index and a senior manager at KPMG Strategic Services. He earned his bachelors degree in chemical engineering from MIT and completed the University of Chicago’s executive program in corporate strategy.

    The Chicago chapter of the MIT Enterprise Forum holds monthly events from September through June. In September 2005, the forum will kick off its new season with an expanded mission, a rejuvenated look, an expanded board of directors, new committees and advisory councils as well as a significantly enhanced volunteer staff.

    About the MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago
    The MIT Enterprise Forum is a non-profit organization that promotes the formation and growth of innovative and technologically oriented companies through a series of specialized executive education programs. The forum provides networking, leadership opportunities and provocative new ideas to senior business leaders while showcasing MIT’s role in innovation and entrepreneurship in communities around the world.

    The MIT Enterprise Forum was formed in 1978 and has 23 chapter organizations worldwide. Participation and membership is open to the general public.

    More information about the MIT Enterprise Forum of Chicago can be found at www.mitefchicago.org

    About Pragmaxis
    Pragmaxis LLC provides high-impact management consulting and advisory services to executives responsible for driving business growth – especially through the pragmatic development and execution of technology- and intellectual property-driven business strategies.

    The firm’s concentration areas include integrated business & technology strategy, indirect sales strategy and marketing automation, and technology commercialization.

    More information about Pragmaxis can be found at www.pragmaxis.com

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:51 AM | Comments (0)

    Harbor Research Inc. Acquires Wireless Data Research to Strengthen Pervasive and M2M Market Leadership

    Harbor Research Inc. announces it has reached an agreement with Bay Area peer Wireless Data Research to acquire the company. The acquisition will be effective immediately.

    San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) June 28, 2005 -- Harbor Research Inc., a Boston and San Francisco based technology consulting and research firm, has acquired Wireless Data Research (WDR), a leading analyst firm focusing on wireless technologies and machine to machine communications (M2M).

    With this move, Harbor Research, which earlier this week announced a partnership with leading European M2M analyst e-principles, further expands its coverage of new technologies, market forecasting and analysis of key suppliers and adopters of pervasive wireless solutions.

    Harbor and WDR are known for their extensive analysis and commentary on emerging M2M opportunities across all major vertical markets. Only a handful of analysts have focused primarily on pervasive computing and M2M applications. Harbor Research has been at the forefront of articulating the business models driven by wireless and IP networking.

    Glen Allmendinger, president of Harbor Research, acknowledges the immediate boost to his firm’s wireless expertise as well as the fresh, complimentary perspective that WDR adds to its coverage of the impact M2M is making globally. “Wireless Data Research has consistently produced top-notch forecasting and is widely considered one of true experts in the field”, Allmendinger said.

    Harbor Research intends to incorporate WDR’s body of knowledge into its research services and products, including a new version of its acclaimed online market analysis platform SmartSphere.

    Wireless Data Research president Ian McPherson commented, “The combination of WDR’s innovative research on emerging wireless technologies with Harbor’s unique coverage of adopter practices and progress creates a formidable presence that will provide considerable clout in moving this entire market forward. As a strategic advisory firm for companies implementing asset management and supply chain solutions as well as technology suppliers building solution alliances, there is no better place to turn to.”

    Harbor Research will be presenting more detail about its strategy and direction at this week’s M2M United, one of the premier annual conferences in the pervasive and machine to machine arena being held this week in Chicago.

    About Wireless Data Research:
    WDR (www.wirelessdataresearch.com) is a strategic advisory and research company that provides market assessment and analysis in order to allow its clients to make more informed decisions about the development and adoption of wireless technologies. WDR specifically focuses on understanding integration and adoption issues for wireless-enabled enterprise applications, which is essential for vendors, investors and end-users to optimize solution performance and maximize return on investment.

    About Harbor Research, Inc.:
    Harbor Research, Inc. (www.harborresearch.com) has been providing strategic consulting and research services to clients for more than 20 years. With a reputation as specialists in understanding emergent and disruptive opportunities in high technology, Harbor Research works with clients who seek to establish strategic advantage in changing markets. Harbor Research’s ground-breaking Pervasive Internet research is widely regarded as the definitive work on the business impact of integrating networked devices into business processes.

    Contact Information:
    Marc Kriessmann
    Harbor Research, Inc.
    415.615.9400, ext. 23
    415.615.0454 fax
    http://www.harborresearch.com

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:50 AM | Comments (0)

    Syntax Appoints Display Industry Veteran Sam Miller Chief Product Officer; Former Viewsonic Executive to Lead Syntax's Strategic Engineering & Product Marketing Initiatives

    Former Viewsonic Executive to Lead Syntax Groups' Strategic Engineering & Product Marketing Initiatives

    City of Industry, CA (PRWEB) June 28, 2005 -- Syntax Groups Corporation(tm), one of the fastest-growing manufacturers of LCD TVs in North America, today announced the strategic appointment of display industry executive Samuel Miller to the new position of Chief Product Officer. In this role, Miller is responsible for defining and executing Syntax’s global product strategy and development including engineering requirements, product definition and IDs, components procurement, product planning, positioning, and market requirements. He will also head the creation of a state-of-the-art video development lab for Syntax’s Olevia(tm) LCD TVs and LCOS TVs.

    Miller joins Syntax from Viewsonic where during the course of his 10-year career there he transitioned the company’s CRT monitor business to LCDs, and later directed its technical marketing and engineering programs for digital TVs including plasma and LCD TVs. He also directed Viewsonic Labs through which he created product development processes resulting in a significant increase in its overall award-winning product line.

    “Sam’s leadership in the display arena is a vital element in our evolution to become a Tier One digital TV manufacturer,” said James Li, Chief Executive Officer of Syntax Groups Corporation. “We selected him for the newly-created chief product officer’s position in order to give our LCD TV product development and technical marketing efforts the focus and direction required for Syntax’s products to be truly recognized in the industry for the solid value they bring to consumers.”

    Leveraging his career successes, Miller is chartered with creating an infrastructure for developing high performance digital TV product configurations and features with the consumer and marketplace in mind, and that provide a quality front of screen viewing experience at a very competitive price/performance ratio.

    Also joining Syntax to assist Miller in building and managing the company’s new video development lab is Scott Anderson, another display expert formerly with Viewsonic. Through their combined expertise, Miller and Anderson will create a controlled environment for evaluating components, measuring, testing and tuning display performance to optimize Syntax’s LCD TVs and LCOS TVs.

    Since introducing Olevia LCD TVs to consumers last year, the Syntax Olevia brand has steadily increased its popularity and today is recognized as the number three LCD TV in North America according to the leading market research organization, DisplaySearch.

    About Olevia LCD TVs
    Syntax’s Olevia LCD TVs are designed to deliver a total quality digital entertainment experience with great specifications, great prices and value, and a great warranty. Using high quality LCD panels, Olevia LCD TVs feature high resolution and high contrast ratios, fast response times, bright, wide viewing angles, built-in TV tuners, Picture-in-Picture (PIP) capability, HDTV component inputs, and a VGA input for easy connection to a PC. Olevia models allow simultaneous viewing of TV or DVD movies while surfing the Internet or accessing standard PC desktop functions. Syntax’s current line of richly appointed, competitively priced Olevia LCD TVs includes 20-inch, 26-inch, 27-inch, 30-inch, the Super-IPS based 32-inch and 37-inch models, and a 50-inch LCOS rear projection TV. Syntax’s newest LCD TV, the 42-inch Olevia, is scheduled for availability in July 2005. During the second half of 2005, Syntax plans to launch additional models including a 47-inch LCD TV, and a 65-inch LCOS RPTV.

    Syntax is now implementing its proprietary “iDEA” (Innovative Digitally Enhanced Architecture) digital video processing technology into Olevia LCD TVs for image enhancements including Dynamic Brightness and Contrast Controls, Pure Edge Enhancement, Advanced Sharpness Control, Dynamic Noise Reduction, Black Level Extender, White Peak Limiter, Flesh Tone Control, Adaptive Luma Control and an Advanced Digital Sound Processor.

    About Syntax Groups
    Founded in May 2003, Syntax Groups Corporation (www.syntaxgroups.com) manufactures the high-value, cost-effective Olevia family of widescreen HDTV-ready LCD TVs. Since the company commenced its initial shipments of Olevia LCD TVs in April 2004, Syntax has achieved unparalleled growth and is now recognized as one of the fastest growing LCD TV brands in North America with a position in the “Top 5” North American LCD TV brands and approximately 7% market share. Worldwide, Syntax is ranked in the “Top 10” LCD TV brands. Delivering on its mission to design and mass-produce digital convergence consumer electronics products with superior specifications and competitively affordable prices, and support consumers of its Olevia brand with a unique customer-friendly after-sale warranty program, Syntax has rapidly established broad distribution in the North American retail sales channel and has expanded operations into Asia. With its partner company Taiwan Kolin Company (TSE:1606.TW, www.kolin.com.tw), Syntax Groups maintains an R&D center and mass manufacturing at DigiMedia (www.digimedia.com), its own factory in Tainan, Taiwan, plus its own final assembly and quality control production facility at Syntax headquarters located at 20480 E. Business Parkway, City of Industry (Southern California) 91789.

    Syntax Groups Corporation and Olevia are trademarks of Syntax Groups Corporation.

    Contact:
    Pattie Adams
    Syntax Groups Corporation
    909/859-8432
    pattieadams @ syntaxgroups.com
    www.syntaxgroups.com

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:47 AM | Comments (0)

    QAD expands e-Learning offerings with IntraLearn XE Company chooses IntraLearn to address increased customer and employee training needs

    IntraLearn Software Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of Microsoft technology-based e-Learning software applications, announced today an agreement with QAD Inc., a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers, to license IntraLearn XE. QAD chose IntraLearn XE to help them address increased customer and employee demand for a centralized e-Learning system that could measure and track user progress and course completion.

    Northboro, MA (PRWEB) June 28, 2005 -- IntraLearn Software Corporation, the world’s leading supplier of Microsoft technology-based e-Learning software applications, announced today an agreement with QAD Inc., a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturers, to license IntraLearn XE. QAD chose IntraLearn XE to help them address increased customer and employee demand for a centralized e-Learning system that could measure and track user progress and course completion.

    In looking for an e-Learning system, it was important that the system not be a hosted solution, be highly scalable and feature rich and be able to manage content that was self-created, imported or repurposed from multiple sources. IntraLearn offered that in a single, turn-key system that was less expensive than other systems.

    “Many of our customers needed to be able to verify training, so we needed to provide better tracking to support their needs” said Jim Kirkley, QAD’s Chief Technology Officer. “IntraLearn’s architecture supported multiple portals, which is important to us since we plan to offer customers the option to have their own custom portals.

    “Our customers need to establish that users of our software are certified for compliance purposes, they also ask us to customize our existing eLearning courses so they can provide more relevant training. IntraLearn’s architecture supported multiple portals, which allowed us to provide custom learning environments to our customers, while keeping things simple from a system management perspective. The flexibility of the IntraLearn system has allowed us to attach a number of specialized reports to the system that provide our executives with the real time status of internal and external learning initiatives.”

    Evan Lenson, IntraLearn Software Corp. vice president of business development said “We are very pleased to have been chosen by QAD to give them the e-Learning infrastructure that can manage the training needs of their employees, business partners and customers.”

    About QAD:
    QAD is a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturing companies. QAD applications provide critical functionality for managing manufacturing resources and operations within and beyond the enterprise, enabling global manufacturers to collaborate with their customers, suppliers and partners to make and deliver the right product, at the right cost and at the right time. Manufacturers of automotive, consumer products, electronics, food and beverage, industrial and medical products use QAD applications at approximately 5,200 licensed sites in more than 80 countries and in as many as 26 languages

    About IntraLearn:
    IntraLearn Software Corporation of Northboro, MA is the leading provider of turnkey e-Learning applications for the corporate enterprises, academic institutions and non-profits. Along with operations in the UK, Brazil, Singapore and India, IntraLearn software is distributed worldwide through authorized IntraLearn resellers and Learning Service Providers to more than 1,300 major organizations in 17 international languages. IntraLearn is a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner with both ISV and Microsoft Business Solutions proficiencies.

    Contact:

    Peter Banhazl – Executive Vice President
    IntraLearn Software Corporation
    508.393.2277

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:45 AM | Comments (0)

    June 27, 2005

    Prime Advantage Partners with Intertek for Product Testing

    OEM Buying Consortium Endorses Intertek as their Product Testing and Product Certification Service Provider

    Boxborough, MA (PRWEB) June 27, 2005 -- The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek, a global leader in product testing, product inspection and product certification has recently been named an “Endorsed Supplier” by Prime Advantage, a privately held manufacturers’ buying consortium, to provide testing and certification services to Prime Advantage’s corporate members.

    Prime Advantage members will enjoy added benefits of meeting their electrical testing and certification needs through a single provider. The ability to source these services through a single provider will significantly reduce the costs per project and help deliver products to market faster.

    “We are very excited to add ETL SEMKO as Prime Advantage’s Endorsed Supplier for testing and certification services,” said Prime Advantage President, Louise O’Sullivan. “Their speed to market and eagerness to work with OEM’s will make for a strong business partner for our members and Prime Advantage.”

    As a Prime Advantage Endorsed Supplier, Intertek will be called upon for a range of product testing and product certification services, including: electrical and gas safety testing of food service, HVAC and industrial equipment to applicable North American standards; EMC testing and evaluation for both electromagnetic emissions and immunity; and customized performance and benchmark testing programs.

    ETL SEMKO is a division of Intertek plc (LSE: ITRK), a global leader in testing, inspection and certification services, operating in 273 laboratories and 521 offices in 100 countries throughout the world. The ETL SEMKO division of Intertek provides access to global markets through its local services, which include product safety testing and product certification, EMC testing and performance testing for customers in such industries as wireless technology, security, appliances, HVAC, cables and wiring accessories, industrial machinery, medical devices, telecommunications, lighting, automotive, semiconductor, building products and electronics.

    Prime Advantage is the premier, privately held manufacturers' buying consortium, creating leverage within a network of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). Aggregating demand for raw materials, components, services and supplies, Prime Advantage delivers substantial cost savings to its Members, and increased market share to its Endorsed Suppliers.

    Contact Information:
    Intertek ETL SEMKO
    70 Codman Hill Rd.
    Boxborough, MA. 01719
    Michael Plante
    Marketing Manager
    e-mail protected from spam bots

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:53 AM | Comments (0)

    June 03, 2005

    PRONTO North America ERP FaxMail Reduces Faxing Costs

    PRONTO North America ERP FaxMail Reduces Faxing Costs

    (PRWEB) June 3, 2005 -- The PRONTO-Xi FaxMail solution, including a flexible document transmission management system, allows manufacturers and distributors the ability to monitor the status of every fax and e-mail sent. It becomes an indispensable tool for any manufacturing, distribution, service, or retail concern where fast, hassle-free communication is central to the business operation.

    The Key Benefits of PRONTO-Xi FaxMail:
    •Reduce Postage Costs
    •Reduce Faxing costs
    •Reduce Labor costs in folding, addressing, and posting documents
    •Reduce time spend at the fax machine
    •Highly professional-looking documents, incorporating logs and other layout elements
    •Easy to sue as printing within PRONTO-Xi

    A PRONTO-Xi user of FaxMail noted that it has eliminated the need for staff to mail out 1500 statements per month and approximately 200 invoices per day. This is has reduced postage costs significantly and saved at least five working days per moth in staff folding envelopes.

    PRONTO North America, based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is the North American Master Distributor of PRONTO-Xi, a comprehensive software system allowing manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to effectively manage all phases of the supply chain. Far beyond just another Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System, PRONTO-Xi’s financial and distribution applications are unique and have provided maximum return on investment for a wide variety of organizations since 1976.

    From PRONTO Planning to PRONTO Production; from PRONTO Forecasting Management to PRONTO Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP); from PRONTO Advanced Warehousing to PRONTO Quality Management System (QMS), the cross-section and breadth of integrated elements addressed by PRONTO-Xi is unmatched in the marketplace and justifies the company’s natural leadership role as the best fully integrated business software solution for more than a quarter century. PRONTO North America is quickly emerging as the combined manufacturing, service, and distribution ERP leader.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:55 AM | Comments (0)

    Brown Machine Refocuses Organization, "Commitment of the Customer"

    Brown Machine LLC management initiated a “refocused commitment to their thermoforming customer base” through a series of personnel announcements and “reprioritization of sales and technology offerings.”

    (PRWEB) June 3, 2005 -- Brown Machine LLC management initiated a “refocused commitment to their thermoforming customer base” through a series of personnel announcements and “reprioritization of sales and technology offerings.”


    “We’ve led the thermoforming industry with a full-service, one-stop shopping approach of machines, tooling and service for over 50 years—but our decision to retool how we do business by focusing on the customer is the intention of our recent restructuring,” states Jim Robbins, VP Marketing for Brown. “Our goal is spend considerable more time in the field to hear the “voice of the customer” in terms of their current equipment and technology requirements leading to a more proactive and responsive organization. The end result will lead to a stronger technology offering and improved ‘Brown personnel behind the customer and technology’ positions.”
    Recent personnel/product technology announcements include:
    IN-LINE/CONTINUOUS THERMOFORMING EQUIPMENT:
    - Doyle Durkee has been named Western Region Sales Manager for in-line/continuous machines/systems. He will coordinate all sales efforts for states west of a line and including the Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas. Durkee brings a wealth of thermoforming knowledge/work experience including 15 years at Brown in design engineering, product management and sales positions, as well as a lengthy position with Lyle Industries. He attended Ferris State University.
    - Jason Newman has been named Eastern Region Sales Manager for in-

    line/continuous machines/systems. He will coordinate all sales efforts for states east of a line and including Michigan, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisana. Newman has worked for Brown for 10 years as an electrical assembler, technical service representative, project and product management, and various sales positions.
    - Bill Kent, Vice President Sales / Business Development continues to utilize his broad thermoforming background with a career spanning over 44 years at Brown Machine, working on in-line/continuous key accounts and international customers including an international agent network.
    Cut Sheet Thermforming Equipment:
    - Brown’s standard line of cut sheet thermoformers has been reengineered and branded as the OvationTM Series. This line is based on engineering developments to previous Brown rotary and shuttle cut sheet machine models, but with design and manufacturing enhancements for technical performance, as well as customer-benefits of improved pricing and delivery. Dave Cortner has been hired as National Sales Manager-Standard Cut Sheet Products and will coordinate the sales management efforts and working with Brown Ovation Series cut sheet manufacturing reps. Cortner has served the plastics industry for over 30 years in different manufacturing management and manufacturing rep ownership positions.

    - Brown’s “traditional” cut sheet product lines including larger systems, four-station machines, high and ultimate pressure technologies will continue to be managed by the Brown Corporate Sales Team (sales contacts: Jim Robbins and Bill Kent).
    - To provide proper internal support for customers, an inside sales manager position has also been added. Brian Dennison will assist with all inside sales activities including estimating, proposals, workorders and customer requirements. This position insures that as the sales team is working directly with the customers there is always a knowledgeable and direct contact at Brown. His experience includes 10 yrs at Brown in various estimating, project management, manufacturing and purchasing positions as well as earning a Bachelor of Arts from Northwood University in business management.

    Other Products/service
    - Jason Winans has been named National Kits Sales Manager. Brown offers a wide range of retrofit kits to upgrade existing thermoforming equipment to improve speed, reliability, safety, productivity or ease-of-control. Standard retrofit kits are available for both continuous and cut sheet thermoformers, as well as custom retrofit kits up to the complete remanufacture of the equipment. Retrofit kit technologies include oven and machine controls, servo index and form station upgrades, sheet cutoff systems, material and product handling systems, quick change tool enhancements, trim press feed and ejector packages, quick change clamp frames, safety solutions, and a host of others. Jason has 6+ years of

    experience at Brown Machine in various technical service, project management and sales positions.
    - Service activities are managed by Paul Mancina and are supported by a staff of seven field technicians. Brown’s Parts Department is operated by the team of Dean Cobb, Mike Malosh and Mandy Hillman. These groups are focused on providing the highest level of customer service in the thermoforming industry including “24/7/365” support.
    - A process engineering team headed by Jim Martin and supported by a total of 5 process technicians helps to support the customer’s process objectives across a broad group of machine technologies, products and materials.
    - Brown Tooling Services continue to be headed by Bob Gordert and Mike Witer, two seasoned veterans with more than three decades of tooling experience in sales, engineering and manufacturing between the two men.

    As a global leader of thermoforming technologies, Brown Machine LLC engineers and builds a complete standard line of continuous and cut sheet thermoforming equipment and related tooling/peripheral equipment. Specialty thermoforming systems suited to a wide range of markets (including automotive, recreational, packaging, appliance and various other industrial segments) can be custom built to exact customer specifications. Brown Machine fully supports the thermoforming industry (Brown machine owners and competitive models, as well) with a full complement of 24/7/365 on-call service and parts support.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:52 AM | Comments (0)

    May 26, 2005

    Davonna Carr Joins Athletique Inc. Design Team

    Davonna Carr, a graduate of the Iowa State University’s School of Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production (AMDP) has joined Athletique to assist in the company’s development of its new sportswear and teamwear lines. Prior to joining Athletique, Davonna worked for Marie Marie Clothing in New York and worked with Wynning Teams LLC to design the dance team uniforms for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Rush.

    Brookfield, IL (PRWEB) May 26, 2005 -- Davonna Carr, a graduate of the Iowa State University’s School of Apparel Merchandising, Design and Production (AMDP) has joined Athletique to assist in the company’s development of its new sportswear and teamwear lines. Prior to joining Athletique, Davonna worked for Marie Marie Clothing in New York and worked with Wynning Teams LLC to design the dance team uniforms for the Chicago Blackhawks and the Chicago Rush.

    While at Iowa State University, Davonna was the recipient of the Multi-Visual Program Scholarship and the Charles Lovelady Scholarship. Actively involved in sports, Davonna was a member of the ISU Track and Field Team and was the Co-Captain of the Varsity Basketball and Track teams at Roosevelt High School in Des Moines as well as Co-Captain of the Dance Squad and DeJaVu Dance Team.

    DCarr is the newest designer collection to be added for Athletique, who also introduced the JClark Sportswear Line and the TeKay Designs Wedding dresses to their offerings earlier this year. The newest designs in the DCarr collection will be featured in the upcoming “Power Players” Charity Fashion Show being held Saturday, June 25 from 6 – 10 PM at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. This highly anticipated event will feature a number of star athletes in custom made Athletique apparel. The proceeds from the event will benefit the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

    Athletique is an innovative new apparel retailer and manufacturer with offices and production in the Chicago area. They produce classic clothing and sportswear, custom made to order for groups, teams and individuals. The clothing is available to purchase on the company’s website and through independent reps and retailers.

    More information regarding Athletique can be obtained by visiting their website at www.myathletique.com or by calling 1-866-531-2266.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:23 AM | Comments (0)

    Industry Directions Reinforces Its Expansion by Appointing David M. Alschuler as Principal and Industry Analyst

    Industry Directions, an industry analyst firm delivering project-based go-to-market services for application providers serving manufacturing-supported business networks, today announced that David M. Alschuler has joined its team. The addition of Alschuler, a senior level analyst and marketing professional with extensive experience in strategic & operational planning, IT Analysis and Research services, comes in response to growing market demand for Industry Directions’ expertise and customer-focused approach.

    Newburyport, MA (PRWEB) May 26, 2005 -- Alschuler formerly served as Sr. VP, eBusiness and Enterprise Applications for the Aberdeen Group, leading research teams that covered ERP, SCM, CRM, SRM and outsource service providers. Alschuler will leverage his extensive experience to lead Industry Directions’ research on Supply Chain Execution, Product Lifecycle Management and Enterprise Asset Management as well as top-tier ERP providers.

    “I’m excited to be joining Industry Directions, a company I’ve always respected for its ability to support its customers with project-based services based on high-quality research and analysis,” said Alschuler. “It’s great to be part of a group that is focused on supporting the industrial market as it migrates toward an adaptive, demand-driven operational model.”

    In joining Industry Directions, Alschuler will once again team with Aberdeen Group alumni William Brandel, who is focusing on Supply Chain Planning & Collaboration, B2B Applications and Exchanges and Supplier Relationship Management and Procurement. The other long-time Principals include Julie Fraser and Alice Greene.

    Prior to his tenure at Aberdeen Group, Mr. Alschuler held executive leadership positions that included: VP Sales and Marketing for Xchange, Inc., a leader in customer relationship management across channels and product lines; Sr. VP Sales & Marketing for Work Management Solutions, a developer and marketer of project and program management software for Fortune 1000 IT organizations; and VP of Marketing for MCAD-leader Parametric Technology (PTC) Corporation.

    Alschuler holds a Master of City and Regional Planning from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Arts, Economics from Oberlin College.

    About Industry Directions
    Industry Directions is an industry analyst firm providing project-based go-to-market services for application providers that optimize interaction, efficiency and profit for manufacturing enterprises and their value network partners. The company delivers vertical market expertise and personalized services that enable emerging or repositioning software and service providers to achieve their unique market potential.

    To learn more, visit: www.industrydirections.com

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:22 AM | Comments (0)

    May 20, 2005

    Financial Expert Challenges Jack Welch and Jeffrey Immelt’s Financial Performance at GE

    Financial expert, Carole Symonds, challenges Jack Welch's financial performance and Jeffrey Immelt’s statements of GE’s corporate profitability.

    (PRWEB) May 20, 2005 -- Carole Symonds, CPA, MST, author and Partner with a Global Financial Advisory Firm, stated unequivocally in a current press release that General Electric's profit performance during Jack Welch’s twenty-year tenure was dismal, at best.

    Noting that GE’s true profits fared its investors no better than the yield on long-term government bonds, Symonds points to Mr. Welch’s current remarks in his book, ‘Winning,’ in which he claims that the “dirtiest little secret in business is lack of candor”. “Ridiculous,” expert says emphatically. “ The dirtiest secret in business is that CEO’s don’t understand how to impact the bottom line.”

    Corporate profitability is about numbers, not candor. According to Ms. Symonds article, during the last 10 years of Mr. Welch’s reign at GE, the return on invested capital averaged a mere 7.0% - barely keeping pace with the government bond yield for the same time period. It has since fallen to 5.4%.

    That Jack Welch wants us to believe otherwise is a misnomer of the facts. Symonds wants to set the record straight. “The facts are that GE is in worse shape now than it’s ever been. Jeffrey Immelt and Jack Welch blaming the economy, 9/11, and lack of candor may be symptoms, but they are not the cause of GE’s continuing poor financial performance. This ‘blame’ approach represents exactly what is wrong with decision making in corporate boardrooms today,” says Symonds. “The truth is that over 80% of the reasons for poor corporate performance are within the CEO’s control.”

    Corporate CEO’s, Training Directors and business owners around the globe are clamoring in record numbers for Symonds’ new book ‘Millionaire Manager’, which explains the difference between profits and earnings to CEO’s who still don’t understand this important nuance. CEO’s miss the critical points in financial measurements of their companies. They equate earnings with profits, which can hide the true financial health of the company and mislead investors.

    Symonds is challenging Mr. Welch and Mr. Immelt to come forward to explain GE’s unacceptable financial performance under their leadership. Gentlemen, are you ready?

    See article http://www.MillionaireManager.com/media/Article/Welch.pdf

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 04:28 AM | Comments (0)

    May 19, 2005

    DDL West Addresses Declining CA Packaging Standards - Helps Manufacturers Maintain Package Integrity & Contain Costs

    DDL West addresses declining packaging standards in California by helping manufacturers maintain package integrity and contain costs.

    Costa Mesa, CA (PRWEB) May 19, 2005 -- http://www.testedandproven.com - DDL West, a CA-based package, product and material testing laboratory is addressing declining packaging standards in California by helping manufacturers maintain package integrity and contain costs.

    California-based medical device manufacturers are increasingly struggling to maintain the integrity of their packaging while staying within budget.

    “Many CA-based manufacturers are cutting down on the amount of testing they do in order to save money,” said Michael Foster, DDL West Package Engineer. “Instead of testing 30 package samples, they may only test 10, which results in a much lower confidence level.”

    Packaging is not only failing integrity testing due to cost cutting, but also because many manufacturers are choosing the wrong type of packaging for their product. Since the majority of medical devices have sharp edges or points, it is vital to choose packaging that cannot be perforated.

    “DDL West is educating clientele via its growing suite of complimentary PackServices,” said Foster. “DDL West offers comprehensive consultation to identify manufacturers’ individual package testing requirements and to determine the best value for their testing dollars.”

    DDL West is helping medical device manufacturers maintain the integrity of their packaging with advice on how to:
    - Choose the right materials for their packaging
    - Submit the correct number of package samples for a 90-95% confidence level
    - Maximize on their package testing investment
    - Eliminate costs of re-testing

    For expert advice on maintaining cost effective package integrity, visit http://www.testedandproven.com or call Mike Foster at (714) 979-1712 ext. 16.

    About DDL West:
    DDL West offers expert package testing, product testing and material testing services including Shock testing, vibration testing, tensile testing, leak testing and validation. DDL package testing clients find value through its zero-cost package testing consulting service, Pack-Advice.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:14 AM | Comments (0)

    April 22, 2005

    Vigitron Hires New Regional Sales Manager for the Western US

    Vigitron, Inc. announced today that it has appointed Mr. Steve Wilber as Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States.

    (PRWEB) April 22, 2005 -- Vigitron, Inc. announced today that it has appointed Mr. Steve Wilber as Regional Sales Manager for the Western United States.

    Mr. Steve Wilber has previously been with several leading Security Video Manufacturers, including Gyyr, Silent Witness, Syac, and Robot Research. He has worked in the Security Video and Broadcast industries for over 20 years. His experience includes Sales management, Application engineering, Marketing and Product management. Mr. Wilber's technical expertise lies in video signal processing technologies, which includes Multiplexing, Video transmission and Digital/Analog Video recording. In the past, he has conducted seminars internationally, being a featured speaker at the annual CCTMA, ISC functions as well as the University of Louisville. Mr Wilber has also authored many articles for Security trade magazines over the years. He can be reached at swilber@vigitron or (858) 484-5209 Ext. 208.

    Vigitron, Inc. specializes in design and manufacturing of twisted pair video transmission devices. These products transmit video up to 6000 feet on unshielded twisted pair wires. They are a cost-effective alternative to coax cables and fiber optics for CCTV applications.

    For additional information, please send email to: e-mail protected from spam bots

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 07:13 AM | Comments (0)

    April 21, 2005

    Employers Baffled by How to Legally Handle Military Leave Requests: BLR's Free Audio Conference Explains the ins and outs

    When employees have to take military leave their employers face serious responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Business & Legal Reports Inc. is offering a free audio conference recording featuring two expert attorneys who explain the ins and outs of this important and confusing law.

    Old Saybrook, CT (PRWEB) April 21, 2005 -- It’s hard on the employee, who has to leave family and job for a military leave. But when a worker gives notice that he must go on active duty, the employer suffers too.

    Fortunately employers can avoid the pitfalls of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by listening to a recent audio conference sponsored by Business & Legal Reports (BLR). It’s free with registration, and helps employers understand their responsibilities to employees under the federal law for military leave in plain English.

    Employers must be up-to-date with USERRA requirements because employees who feel that their USERRA rights have been violated can go directly to court - without first filing an administrative action. If an employer makes a mistake, for example missing the latest notification requirements, it may have to pay huge sums, including back pay, attorney’s fees, and even double damages!

    This streaming audio conference features two lawyers who are experts in advising employers on USERRA compliance – Steve Bernstein and Clancy Vettel Mendoza, a partner and associate, respectively, in the Atlanta office of Fisher & Phillips. They provide practical tips on how to avoid the pitfalls under this oft-misunderstood law. For instance, the requirements for healthcare insurance coverage depend on how long the employee is away: Those absent for 30 or fewer days are entitled to employer-sponsored coverage under same terms as when they were working. Those on leave for more than 30 days are generally entitled to COBRA-type continuation benefits.

    Employers will benefit from practical guidance like this in this 90-minute conference, which includes a 60-minute presentation and a 30-minute question-and-answer session. Access it here: http://www.blr.com/82008400/PRS12

    This audio conference was originally recorded on March 17, 2005.

    About BLR
    Old Saybrook, Conn.-based BLR produces plain-English compliance and training resources for HR, compensation, safety, and environmental managers. For more information about other audio conferences and a free catalog, call 800-727-5257 or visit www.BLR.com.

    Contact:
    HR.BLR.com Managing Web Editor Kevin Flood
    860 510-0100 x 2283

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:49 AM | Comments (0)

    Quickparts Expands to New Facility to Accommodate Growth

    Quickparts announced that it has completed its expansion to the company's new facility. This expansion supports the company's continued rapid growth, as evidenced by its selection to the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in America.

    Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) April 20, 2005 -- Quickparts, the leading provider of custom-manufactured plastic and metal parts, today announced that it has completed its expansion to the company's new facility. This expansion supports the company's continued rapid growth, as evidenced by its selection to the Inc. 500 list of the fastest growing private companies in America. Quickparts' new headquarters will be located at 219 Perimeter Center Parkway, Suite 400 in Atlanta, Georgia.

    Quickparts specializes in providing instant online quotes and custom manufacturing services for product development companies looking to outsource the fabrication of plastic and metal parts from 3D models.

    “We needed to expand our infrastructure, including the move to our new 16,000 sq. foot facility, to support several growth initiatives, including the deployment of QuickTool Express™, our new rapid injection molding process.” said Ron Hollis, President & CEO of Quickparts.

    “2004 was a year of milestones for Quickparts: celebrating 5 years of fast-growth business, crossing over 100,000 instant quotes, and being named to the Entrepreneur Hot 100 and Inc. 500 list. As we look to 2005 and the future, we remain committed to expansion as demanded by our growing customer base,” Hollis said.

    QuickTool Express™, launched in January 2005, is the latest manufacturing process from Quickparts that leverages the company's patent-pending QuickQuote® geometric analysis technology. Other instantly quoted offerings include: Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and Cast Urethanes. The company also offers CNC Machined Parts, Sheet Metal Prototypes and Metal Castings with quotes provided in 24 hours or less.

    To find out more about Quickparts, please visit www.quickparts.com or call 1-877-521-8683.

    About Quickparts
    Quickparts provides custom manufacturing services for engineers and designers looking to create plastic and metal parts from 3D CAD (computer-aided design) models. With its proprietary QuickQuote® geometric analysis software, Quickparts is able to provide product designers with an 'instant online quote' for the manufacturing of their custom parts from prototype to production. Services include: Rapid Prototypes (SLA, SLS, FDM), Cast Urethanes, Quickturn Injection Mold Tooling and Parts (QuickTool Express & QuickTool Pro), Sheet Metal Parts, Metal Castings, and CNC Machined Parts. A Quickparts Project Manager ensures parts are delivered to the customer’s specifications within the desired timeframe.

    Contact:
    Sameer Vachani
    Director of Marketing
    1-877-521-8683 x. 203
    e-mail protected from spam bots

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:42 AM | Comments (0)

    March 25, 2005

    Is Your Plant As Lean As You Think It Is - Learn How to Accelerate Lean Manufacturing Improvement

    Many manufacturers have invested a lot of time and money into Lean Manufacturing but have their efforts been worthwhile? Have they done enough? Most can say they improved a little on inventory and lead times, but how do you know if your plant is getting all the Lean Manufacturing benefits it could and should get? What is the right sequence of steps you should follow to maximize business performance with Lean? The degree of success with Lean Manufacturing was usually very subjective and most plants had no way to know if further improvements were available or what should be done next. Lean consultants R. Michael Donovan & Co. are pleased to announce a major new release of their Lean Manufacturing assessment service and certification program designed to give manufacturers a quantified look at where they stand in their Lean Manufacturing transformation and where and how much additional benefits might be available.

    Framingham, MA (PRWEB) March 25, 2005 -- “By applying our Lean Manufacturing Certification TM assessment and scoring system, manufacturers can quickly find out how their company measures up to world class Lean Manufacturing principles and best practices,” according to company president R. Michael Donovan. “The end result of our Lean Manufacturing Certification TM assessment is a comprehensive, quantified and objective action plan that will focus your team on specific, prioritized steps to quickly achieve higher levels of business performance.”

    The Lean Manufacturing assessment can answer such questions as:
    - How effective has your plant been in applying lean manufacturing principles and best practices?
    - Have you reached the level of performance improvement your plant should achieve?
    - Have you achieved isolated pockets of lean, across-the-board lean or somewhere in-between?
    - Is your lean manufacturing roadmap current, on-target and results driven?
    - What is your plant’s potential performance improvement and how do you achieve it?

    R. Michael Donovan & Co.’s lean consulting experts evaluate and rate hundreds of Lean Manufacturing criteria in the plant. Once opportunities are specifically identified and the impact defined, the team will present their assessment to management and recommend an action plan that will focus the Lean transformation team on rapidly accelerating business performance improvement. The rigorous assessment and scoring process provides management with a firm handle on how effectively a plant has applied lean principles in each area. In addition, the action plan will keep the plant focused on the right performance improvement targets and in the most effective sequence.

    For those plants that have achieved a high level of Lean accomplishments, there is the Certified Lean ManufacturerTM designation awarded by R. Michael Donovan & Co. “Certification is not really the point,” Donovan emphasizes. “It’s really about finding out where you are, how you should improve and how best to proceed on your Lean journey. But having that Lean Manufacturing CertificationTM is a nice acknowledgement of your accomplishments and it sends a positive message to your customers and stakeholders.”

    R. Michael Donovan & Co. also offers a Certified Lean Master designation to recognize those professionals who have completed a rigorous training program and proved their abilities through real-world Lean projects. “It’s not easy, but it is the only formal Lean practitioner program of its kind that we know of. These people are the ‘black belts’ of Lean.”

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:28 AM | Comments (0)

    Outsourcing MRP to China

    Outsourcing MRP to China

    (PRWEB) March 25, 2005 -- There is no stopping the wave of American manufacturers that are moving their operations to China. Riding this wave is E-Z-MRP™. Rocky Smolin Founder of Beach Access Software and maker of E-Z MRP, has developed a Chinese version of his best-selling manufacturing program to address the critical need for manufacturing systems in China.

    United States manufacturers, long accustomed to having manufacturing systems that yield accurate, timely reporting of inventory levels and requirements for production and procurement, have few options for the same capability in Chinese.

    According to Smolin, “Until the translation of E-Z-MRP into both the traditional and simplified forms of Chinese, the small and medium sized Chinese manufacturing operation had no real option for implementing a manufacturing system.”

    Additionally, Smolin suggests that, “As with the English version which has been in use here for nearly 20 years, the E-Z-MRP system can be implemented quickly and run by those who have had no previous experience with manufacturing systems.”

    E-Z-MRP History:
    E-Z-MRP was first released under the DOS operating system in 1985, and achieved great success and widespread use with hundreds of customers around the world. The system has been successfully implemented in a wide variety of small manufacturing companies in such fields as medical instrumentation, appliances, automotive, pharmaceutical, woodworking and furniture construction, spraying systems, orthodontics, and firearms, as well as finding use as an instructional aid in universities. E-Z-MRP works just as well in job shop and build-to-order environments as in build-to-stock or build-to-forecast operations. The new E-Z-MRP system has now been completely rewritten using Microsoft’s Access Database Management System – a component of the popular Microsoft Office Suite – making it compatible with a wide variety of third-party products.

    E-Z-MRP Product Features and Low-Cost High-Value Pricing:
    The E-Z-MRP package includes a full-featured Bill of Materials processor, plus a material planning and tracking module which tracks all sales orders, forecasts, work orders (planned, firm, and released), purchase orders, shortages, raw materials and finished goods inventories. It also records a complete audit trail on all inventory transactions. Also included: a physical inventory function, a purchase order module for printing purchase orders, and a recently added capacity planning module.

    For American manufacturers who currently have or are considering a Chinese manufacturing operation, E-Z-MRP should be implemented immediately to ensure the integrity and timeliness of reporting for all areas of the manufacturing operation.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 02:24 AM | Comments (0)

    March 24, 2005

    Encompix ETO ERP Meeting to Focus on Electronic Bill of Materials

    Encompix ETO ERP Meeting to Focus on Electronic Bill of Materials

    (PRWEB) March 24, 2005 -- Whether a senior Engineer-to-order executive, IT manager, or ETO ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) end-user, the Encompix Customer Conference will provide immediate value. The conference is being held in Dearborn Michigan, May 9 – 11, 2005.

    The agenda includes sessions that cover financial accounting, job costing, inventory, material planning, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, CRM, reporting, and information technology.

    - Job Costing Redesign
    - Contribution Reporting
    - Redesign
    - Mfg. Part Processing
    - Project Reserved Inventory
    - E-BOM
    - 3D CAD/PLM/Document
    - Management
    - Financial Enhancements
    - Encompix CRM
    - Time & Material Focus
    - Microsoft and Encompix

    Benefits:
    - Get updates on Encompix future technology direction
    - Learn about version 9.3
    - Review new product offerings from Encompix partners
    - Input your ideas into future product development
    - Obtain best practices from other customers, partners and industry experts
    - Network with your peers in your industry
    - Meet with all key Encompix personnel

    Early Bird Registration is being accepted until April 8, 2005; the fee is $595. Regular Registration is being accepted until April 22, 2005; the fee is $695.

    The conference fee covers:
    - Dinner at Automotive Hall of Fame
    - Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday
    - All special events
    - Breakfast Wednesday
    - All conference materials

    For more conference information go to http://www.encompix.com/conf2005/2005confinvite.pdf or inquire with Heather Lucas at e-mail protected from spam bots.

    Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects our commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing. Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:36 AM | Comments (0)

    Encompix Engineeer-to-Order Configurator Includes Routings and Bills of Material

    Encompix (www.encompix.com) is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Encompix ETO Configurator as part of the lead Engineer-to-Order Enterprise Resource Planning product suite.

    (PRWEB) March 24, 2005 -- Encompix (www.encompix.com) is pleased to announce the inclusion of the Encompix ETO Configurator as part of the lead Engineer-to-Order Enterprise Resource Planning product suite. Based on Configure One's Concept product it is specifically designed for engineer-to-order manufacturers. Unlike most product configurators that can handle only simple configuration challenges, the ETO Configurator tackles the very complex product rules normally associated with engineer-to-order, project-based or custom manufacturers.

    Encompix's ETO configurator dramatically reduces the time it takes to go from a customer's initial request for a quote to when the product is actually shipped by streamlining and automating much of the pre-manufacturing process. This includes the creation of quotes, sales and production drawings, routings, and bills of material. The data is seamlessly integrated with other Encompix components and is used to create a routing and a complete indented BOM in Encompix.

    By automating sales and engineering tasks, the Encompix ETO Configurator helps speed up responses to quotation requests, free up engineering personnel, decrease errors and rework, and reduce overall lead time.

    For more information on this exciting product, please contact Eric Binning at 513-733-0066 x 21 or e-mail protected from spam bots.

    Encompix has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects our commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing.

    Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:35 AM | Comments (0)

    ITS Raves about Encompix ETO ERP Support Staff

    ITS Raves about Encompix ETO ERP Support Staff

    (PRWEB) March 24, 2005 -- International Thermal Systems (ITS) is an original equipment manufacturer specializing in complete state-of-the-art engineered-to-order equipment for thermal-processing, metal packaging and finishing industries. ITS is a world leader in the design and manufacture of ovens, washers, furnaces, coolers, and material handling equipment.

    After a comprehensive and lengthy evaluation, ITS selected Encompix ERP system to replace aging legacy business applications running on an IBM System 36.

    According to Roy Bruce, director of finance, there were three major factors influencing the decision. "First, Encompix matched our need. Second, the Encompix customers visited were positive about the product but even more positive of the support staff. Third, Encompix was neither the largest or smallest product reviewed but was the best value."

    "After visiting other companies and hearing their convictions that Encompix stands behind their product, it only confirmed that we were making the right decision. I would challenge any ETO company to evaluate their process and compare it to the Encompix product. I would be surprised if they found a better match."

    Thomas R. Cutler, spokesperson for the ETO Institute (www.etoinstitute.org) said, “The ETO Institute recognizes Encompix as the clear cut leader in the Engineer-to-Order environment. The ability to track the rework is so central to the ETO process that it is a central quality issue.”

    Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects our commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing.

    Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.

    Contact:
    Roger Meloy
    Encompix
    513-733-0066 x 13
    e-mail protected from spam bots

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:34 AM | Comments (0)

    Suppliers Claims of Lost and Missing FAX Procurement Resolved with e-Kanban

    Multiply the number of (suppliers) X (number of parts they supply) X (number of times the part is ordered per month)

    (PRWEB) March 24, 2005 -- Multiply the number of (suppliers) X (number of parts they supply) X (number of times the part is ordered per month).

    Each order is a fax. If a manufacturer has 5 suppliers each supplying 20 different part numbers and they send a kanban signal once per week, 400 signals per month are being sent or about 20 faxes per day.

    FAX Kanban is not Efficient and not Lean

    At ten minutes per fax, someone is spending 3.5 hours per day in administration time. That inefficiency results in less time to utilize more suppliers or improve the relationships with existing suppliers.

    Furthermore, even if 99% of those faxes are trouble free procurement signals, four faxes per month are going to be problematic and dilute the entire rationale for a lean manufacturing operation. Suppliers claim they did not receive the fax kanban; suppliers cannot make the shipment date requested and expedited shipping fees are incurred, or worse, there will be a stockout which will negatively impact customer service levels.

    According to Sam Bayer, President of Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com), the leading e-kanban provider in North America, “Signum, our electronic kanban system gives manufacturers a heads up to which of those four faxes might be the problem and then frees you up to deal with them because our system has dealt with the other 396 kanban signals with zero effort.” Bayer also noted that process improvement with existing suppliers will further reduce lead times and inventory levels and bring more suppliers onto the system.

    The “Success Paradox” of e-Kanban
    Bayer refers to this e-kanban Lean manufacturing efficiency as the “success paradox”. According to Bayer, “The more it works the more you want to do it. The more you do it the less time you have to do it because of the administrative overhead required to manage it. It appears as if the natural cutoff point is 400 faxes per month. At 100 a month, secretaries manage it. 200-300 buyer planners deal with it, but hate it. Over 400 per month and something has to be done.”

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 03:32 AM | Comments (0)

    March 23, 2005

    Martin Baker Ejects Other Suppliers in Favour of Imaje

    Martin-Baker, world leader in aircraft escape systems, has enjoyed a long association with Imaje spanning more than 14 years. Every component used in Martin-Baker’s aircraft ejection seats has to be identified by a product and batch code, together with other specific traceability information. When you consider that one ejection seat comprises approximately 2,000 component parts, this is no mean task.

    (PRWEB) March 23, 2005 -- To help them, Martin-Baker has invested in both S7 and S8 Imaje non-contact inkjet printers, many fitted with the unique Imaje handgun. The Imaje printers code approximately 90% of the components that make up an ejection seat. These components are manufactured from a variety of materials, including anodised and painted aluminium, stainless steel and titanium. The Imaje inkjet printers run on either black or white ink depending on the colour of the substrate, to ensure high visibility of the code.

    The compact S7 inkjet printers are wall-mounted with a user-friendly hand-held programming terminal. The S7s can print up to 4 lines of variable information. Martin-Baker also chose S8 bi-jet printers to give them increased flexibility to code up to 8 lines of text, if required. The handgun attachment allows operators to code individual parts, as and when required, with greater accuracy, increased speed and enhanced results.

    Previously Martin-Baker used Markall machines for all their coding and marking requirements which involved block lettering and impression stamping. This method of marking was slow and resulted in a low quality code. “Our company’s products are noted for their innovative design and with increased complexity comes an increase in the number of components utilised. We recognised that we needed a versatile system for coding the varying sizes of components quickly and above all with ease,” explained Martin-Baker’s Production Engineer, John Hooley.

    “The differing sizes of the components meant that they didn’t lend themselves to a conventional production line coding method. We were first attracted to Imaje because of their unique handgun system. This allows us to quickly code the various sizes and shapes of components and also gives us increased flexibility in where we choose to locate the code.”

    Mr Hooley continued, “The Imaje printers also offer a highly improved definition of identification and a consistently good quality code. The speed at which we can code our components has increased and as a consequence we have been able to achieve a higher throughput of work. Last, but by no means least, this method of coding results in a far cleaner and more efficient working environment.”

    Martin-Baker ejection seats have saved in excess of 7000 lives to date. Their systems must operate correctly first time, every time. Rigorous testing is imperative and if one component fails, the complete batch is withdrawn. Nathan Mathews, Imaje Area Sales Manager, commented, “Martin-Baker have a strong reputation for reliability and quality and expect the same from their suppliers. Imaje have built up a good working relationship with Martin-Baker over the years and we aim to consistently deliver the level of service they require. Fortunately, they understand the importance of regular servicing of their equipment to ensure reliability is not compromised. Their operators are also fully trained on the Imaje equipment and have the necessary knowledge to solve any minor problems that may occur.”

    Posted by Industrial-Manufacturing at 06:23 AM | Comments (0)

    March 22, 2005

    Software Link Joins Best Software’s Business Partner Advisory Council

    Leading accounting and business management software provider helps to shape the way Best Software works with and through its partner channel.

    Alpharetta, GA (PRWEB) March 22, 2005 -- www.software-link.com –In recognition of its commitment to providing superior accounting and business management software solutions to small and medium-size businesses, Software Link, a leading Best Software partner and reseller, has joined the Business Partner Advisory Council (BPAC), a highly regarded group of top Best Software partners and technology product/service providers.

    “Being a BPAC member is a great way to help structure and influence the way Best Software works with and through its Partner Channel,” said Stanley Kania, president of Software Link. “We are always looking to better our firm’s relationship with Best Software. Having a forum to do so allows both Software Link and our clients to be more successful.”

    As a Best Software business partner selling Peachtree Software, BusinessWorks Gold, MAS 90 and MAS 500 accounting software and solutions in Atlanta, Georgia, this invitation was extended due to the high level of support and service Software Link has provided businesses in the accounting software market as well as its commitment to being a leader in the industry.

    BPAC’s purpose is to bring together influential partners with various Best Software product groups, program managers, and executives in order to provide direct feedback and insight as to what's working, what can be improved, and how Best Software can better support its partners.

    About Best Software
    Best Software offers leading business management products and services that support the needs, challenges and dreams of more than 2.3 million small and midsized customers in North America. Its parent company, The Sage Group plc (London: SGE.L), supports 4.4 million customers worldwide. For more than 25 years, Best Software has delivered easy-to-use, scalable and customizable applications through its portfolio of leading brands, including Abra, ACT!, CPASoftware, FAS, MAS 90, MIP, MAS 500, Peachtree Software, and SalesLogix, among many others.

    About Software Link
    Software Link, www.software-link.com, is Georgia’s leading accounting and business management software adviser, reseller and trainer. With a wide range of back-office solutions including accounting, distribution, manufacturing and e-commerce, Software link offers award-winning products and services that have revolutionized the way small and midsized companies do business. Software Link works exclusively with the Best Software suite of products including Peachtree Software, Abra, BusinessWorks Gold, MAS 90, MAS 200 and MAS 500. Each of its packages is designed to help its clients have an easy and scalable solution for every stage in the life of their businesses.

    Media Contact
    Contact: Scott Davis
    Title: Director of Marketing
    Company: Software Link
    Phone: 800.521.7322

    Posted by Industrial at 02:08 AM | Comments (0)

    Encompix ETO ERP Meeting to Focus on E-BOM

    Encompix ETO ERP Meeting to Focus on E-BOM

    (PRWEB) March 22, 2005 -- Whether a senior Engineer-to-order executive, IT manager, or ETO ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) end-user, the Encompix Customer Conference will provide immediate value. The conference is being held in Dearborn Michigan, May 9 – 11, 2005

    The agenda includes sessions that cover financial accounting, job costing, inventory, material planning, engineering, manufacturing, purchasing, CRM, reporting, and information technology.

    •Job Costing Redesign
    •Contribution Reporting
    •Redesign
    •Mfg. Part Processing
    •Project Reserved Inventory
    •E-BOM
    •3D CAD/PLM/Document
    •Management
    •Financial Enhancements
    •Encompix CRM
    •Time & Material Focus
    •Microsoft and Encompix

    Benefits:
    • Get updates on Encompix future technology direction
    • Learn about version 9.3
    • Review new product offerings from Encompix partners
    • Input your ideas into future product development
    • Obtain best practices from other customers, partners and industry experts
    • Network with your peers in your industry
    • Meet with all key Encompix personnel

    Early Bird Registration is being accepted until April 8, 2005; the fee is $595.
    Regular Registration is being accepted until April 22, 2005; the fee is $695.

    The conference fee covers:
    • Dinner at Automotive Hall of Fame
    • Breakfast, lunch and dinner Tuesday
    • All special events
    • Breakfast Wednesday
    • All conference materials

    For more conference information go to http://www.encompix.com/conf2005/2005confinvite.pdf or inquire with Heather Lucas

    Encompix (www.encompix.com) has filled the manufacturing software requirements of Engineer-to-Order companies since 1992. The company name reflects our commitment to developing business application solutions that encompass the complex areas of project-based and job-based manufacturing.

    Encompix provides ETO manufacturers with a competitive advantage by improving bottom line results.

    Posted by Industrial at 02:06 AM | Comments (0)

    Beach Access Solution for Small Manufacturers

    Beach Access Solution for Small Manufacturers

    (PRWEB) March 22, 2005 -- Unlike the “big boys” of the ERP world with half million dollar solutions for midsize and large manufacturers, E-Z-MRP announced the single cost-effective technology solution for very small manufacturers.

    According to Rocky Smolin, founder of Beach Access Software and maker of E-Z-MRP, these are the leading problems:
    • Problem: Small manufacturers don’t know what you need to make today to meet customer commitments.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP will detail every day exactly what to make in order to satisfy customer demands.

    • Problem: Small manufacturers have lost control of inventory.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP informs manufacturers exactly what inventory on hand, what is needed to buy every day to meet the production schedule, and identifies excess inventory and shortage well in advance.

    • Problem: Small manufacturers do not know exactly what products cost because purchased parts prices keep changing.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP’s powerful Bill of Materials Processor provides up to the minute product costs and sophisticated configuration management as well.

    • Problem: Small manufacturers do not know if they have the capacity in work centers to do all the work to do to ship on time.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP now offers a Capacity Planning function that details what percent of your work center’s capacities are being used and where there will be production bottlenecks.

    • Problem: Many small manufacturers believe their operation is too small to run manufacturing software successfully.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP was the first product designed specifically for small manufacturers – start-up to $15,000,000 – who had no previous experience with manufacturing software. It has been successfully implemented in hundreds of site around the world.

    • Problem: Many small manufacturers believe manufacturing software is too complicated for their company.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP is simple to operate, while still providing all of the information needed. It has been implemented in as little as 18 days.

    • Problem: Manufacturing software requires too much maintenance.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP was originally designed to be run on a single user PC by people with no previous experience with either computers or manufacturing systems.

    • Problem: Most small manufacturers believe they cannot afford the cost of manufacturing software.
    • Solution: E-Z-MRP costs $2,995. That’s it. And leasing is available.

    Rocky Smolin insists that E-Z-MRP is the solution to small manufacturer’s problems. There are no other manufacturing solutions that are addressing the needs and challenges of the small manufacturing sector in the same manner because they deem these small operations not worthy. E-Z-MRP respects the hard work and dedication of the small manufacturer and demonstrates that commitment by providing a solid solution to their challenges: E-Z-MRP.

    Posted by Industrial at 02:00 AM | Comments (0)

    E-Kanban Key to Continued Process Improvement

    E-Kanban Key to Continued Process Improvement

    (PRWEB) March 22, 2005 -- Multiply the number of (suppliers) X (number of parts they supply) X (number of times the part is ordered per month).

    Each order is a fax. If a manufacturer has 5 suppliers each supplying 20 different part numbers and they send a kanban signal once per week, 400 signals per month are being sent or about 20 faxes per day.

    Fax Kanban is Not Efficient and Not Lean
    At ten minutes per fax, someone is spending 3.5 hours per day in administration time. That inefficiency results in less time to utilize more suppliers or improve the relationships with existing suppliers.

    Furthermore, even if 99% of those faxes are trouble free procurement signals, four faxes per month are going to be problematic and dilute the entire rationale for a lean manufacturing operation. Suppliers claim they did not receive the fax kanban; suppliers cannot make the shipment date requested and expedited shipping fees are incurred, or worse, there will be a stockout which will negatively impact customer service levels.

    According to Sam Bayer, President of Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com), the leading e-kanban provider in North America, “Signum, our electronic kanban system gives manufacturers a heads up to which of those four faxes might be the problem and then frees you up to deal with them because our system has dealt with the other 396 kanban signals with zero effort.” Bayer also noted that process improvement with existing suppliers will further reduce lead times and inventory levels and bring more suppliers onto the system.

    The “Success Paradox” of e-Kanban
    Bayer refers to this e-kanban Lean manufacturing efficiency as the “success paradox”. According to Bayer, “The more it works the more you want to do it. The more you do it the less time you have to do it because of the administrative overhead required to manage it. It appears as if the natural cutoff point is 400 faxes per month. At 100 a month, secretaries manage it. 200-300 buyer planners deal with it, but hate it. Over 400 per month and something has to be done.”

    Posted by Industrial at 01:59 AM | Comments (0)

    March 21, 2005

    GD&T Cost-Saving Calculator Estimates Savings for Organizations

    ETI’s free calculator allows companies to analyze annual design and manufacturing expenditures.

    (PRWEB) March 21, 2005 -- The GD&T Potential Savings Calculator is the latest in a series of free resources available from Effective Training. The calculator is a tool that helps companies understand the amount of unnecessary expenditures each year due to employees who don't know how to correctly apply and interpret geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T). It is offered exclusively at ETI’s website (www.etinews.com/calculator).

    The calculator is a one-of-a-kind tool developed by ETI to help companies realize the true value of utilizing GD&T correctly throughout the design and manufacturing process. It analyzes the costs associated with creating, interpreting and revising drawings, as well as the price of communicating or interpreting design requirements for suppliers and manufacturing. It also factors in many other manufacturing expenses associated with the revisions to fixtures, tooling, and gages that result from poor drawings. The calculator can be used at the company, division, department or project level. Tool tips provide assistance with understanding data entry.

    “Used correctly, GD&T decreases time spent creating and interpreting drawings by 30-50%,” said Alex Krulikowski, GD&T expert and ETI president. “Drawing changes are reduced by 50% through the use of proper tolerance analysis, clear concise drawings, and understanding how to correctly determine tolerance values. Used properly on drawings, GD&T results in a decreased cost for gages, manufacturing fixtures and tooling, workpiece rework, scrap, warranty costs, and major plant problems. The GD&T Potential Savings Calculator factors all of these elements and displays a detailed estimate of an organization’s potential savings with proper GD&T application. Companies who try it will be amazed at the impact GD&T will have on their ability to cut costs.”

    After estimating how much money the proper application of GD&T can save a company annually, the calculator compares that figure with an approximate cost to provide employees with training in GD&T fundamentals, advanced concepts, and tolerance stacks. These courses constitute a core education in GD&T, but ETI also offers classes in Statistical Tolerance Stacks, an ASME/ISO Comparison, and Solid Model Tolerancing (Y14.41-2003).

    ETI has been in the GD&T training business for 20 years. They provide hands-on workshops at locations around the world. ETI offers skills testing with every workshop, and all of their courses can be customized to include a company’s drawings and parts.

    For more information about GD&T, visit their website (www.etinews.com). To inquire about a custom training program, call 800-886-0909

    Posted by Industrial at 01:57 AM | Comments (0)

    CMS Consultants and GRSI Team Up to Provide Complete Warehouse and Shipping Management Control

    New partnership benefits companies requiring materials handling automation.

    Springfield, VA (PRWEB) March 21, 2005 -- CMS Consultants Inc., developer of WorldLink, a leading enterprise middleware shipping solution, added GRSI to its Certified Solution Provider Program. GRSI is the developer of FastTrak, GRSI’s flagship warehouse control software solution, and the company brings 18 years of materials handling automation expertise to its sales of the CMS product line.

    “GRSI’s products and services broaden the automation options for shipping and warehouse operations,” said Wil Fekeci, CMS Consultants president. “A combined CMS and GRSI solution gives customers a complete warehouse to shipping solution.”

    Larry Kuhn, GRSI president said, “WorldLink expands our product offerings. We’ll utilize the application to extend the functionality of FastTrak, allowing us to strengthen our shipping offering to our customers. Additionally, we know there are a number of existing CMS customers that will be interested in our warehouse automation solution. It’s a win-win-win for customers, GRSI, and CMS.”

    The two companies also gain synergies from sharing some common partners and existing customers.

    About CMS Consultants, Inc.
    CMS Consultants is a logistics management innovator, providing transportation, shipping and logistics solutions to more than 400 customers worldwide. With more than 16 years in the shipping management industry, CMS is a long-time shipping solution reseller and developer noted for industry excellence. The company’s competitive advantage is its focus on the business management aspects of its customers’ shipping solutions, also providing powe